Fury Had the Leadership to Conclude Inaugural Season With National Championship

(August 1, 2006, Albertson, NY)-In just their first year of existence, the Long Island Fury had some very impressive numbers in winning the Women's Premier Soccer League national championship. Their final record was 11-2-2.

"It takes a lot of dedicated people to win a national championship," commented Fury General Manager Paul LeSueur of Garden City.

Coach Paul Riley of Rockville Centre led the Fury to the national championship four years after coaching the Long Island Rough Riders to the
same feat.

"This was an amazing experience and like the Rough Riders when we won it, we needed luck, hard work, great players and some magical moments," commented coach Riley. "I cannot single out any players but I give them all enormous credit. We stared going out many times in the latter stages of the season
but they found the character to get through."

"In the Final Four, it was gut-check time and all the players came through with flying colors. There are so many great stories that made this dream come true for the Long Island Fury and I know it will be a lifelong memory for all those who played, coached, administered, volunteered and watched the team play," the coach continued. "These players have made the summer of 2006 a journey that all the youth players of Long Island will treasure."

The Fury began the season not conceding a goal in their first 642 minutes of play and ended it by not giving up a goal in their last 355 minutes of action. They outscored opponents, 44-9, and had 11 shutouts (out of 15 games) along the way.

The Fury won their last five games, all on the road and played in four different states.

The MVP of the Final Four was 17-year-old midfielder Kelly Henderson of Baldwin, going to Boston College this fall.

Emily Sammis of Melville, making her Fury debut on June 26, scored seven consecutive goals in the 9-0 victory over the New York Athletic Club.

"They are an exceptional group of young players and they finished first out of 39 teams, an amazing feat and one to savor for many years to come. This summer, Long Island found new heroes in the women's game and I know many of our players have left a lasting impression on the future Furyites," the
coach concluded.